Shawn Thornton’s Work Ethic Paying Off
It's been documented on here before, but the story of Shawn Thornton's fantastic run this season, both as an enforcer and a player, is growing by the day.
Thornton was actually tied with Ilya Kovalchuk in terms of goals scored up until a couple of days ago. Seriously. Whether that's because of Kovalchuk's struggles or Thornton's improved play depends on how one looks at the picture. Either way, Bruins management believes it was a late offseason signing that caused all of this:
Thornton (5-1—6, 10:20 of ice time per game) went into last night’s game just one goal away from tying his NHL best. At the same time, he might be having his most effective season when he sheds his gloves.
Thornton has logged six fights, including bouts against bigger guys such as Derek Boogaard and Jody Shelley. For such scraps against bigger fighters, Thornton has leaned on the summer boxing he’s done at The Ring in Boston with sparring partner Tom McInerney.
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Perhaps it’s coincidence, but management believes there’s a correlation between Thornton’s solid season and the late-summer signing of Brian McGrattan. The ex-Ottawa tough guy is currently in Providence, but could be recalled if the Bruins believe they need more toughness.
McGrattan signed a two-way contract ($515,000 in the NHL, $105,000 in the AHL). Considering how McGrattan’s presence might be pushing Thornton, it was one of Boston’s more valuable recent deals.
